“You have demonstrated that EKSU students can compete and excel anywhere in the world” – Prof. Ayodele
The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has hailed the University’s Geology team for securing an impressive third-place finish at the 2026 Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Global Challenge Bowl, describing the feat as a remarkable demonstration of the intellectual capacity and global competitiveness of EKSU students.
Professor Ayodele, while congratulating the students, lecturers and the Department of Geology, said the achievement had brought immense pride to the University and further strengthened EKSU’s growing reputation for academic excellence, research and innovation.
The global competition, held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, featured leading university teams from Africa, Indonesia, the Philippines, Canada and the United States, including the University of Oklahoma, California State University, Colorado School of Mines and the University of Texas at Dallas.
EKSU’s journey to the global podium followed its impressive second-place finish at the African Regional Challenge Bowl about two months earlier, which earned the University qualification for the global competition.
Representing EKSU at the global stage were Olayioye Iyanuoluwa and Adeniyi Favour, with the support of Osasona Boluwatife, Lawrence Blessing, Adeola Taiwo and Momoh-Balogun Esther. The team distinguished itself in the fast-paced, quiz-style competition, which tested participants’ knowledge of geology, geophysics, geography and the history of earth science.
Reacting to the feat, Professor Ayodele commended the students for their intellectual depth, speed, teamwork and determination, noting that their performance against leading institutions from across the world was evidence that EKSU students possess the knowledge and confidence required to compete successfully on international platforms.
He also commended the Head of the Department of Geology, Professor Adeyinka Aturamu, the professors and entire staff of the Department for their dedication, mentorship and commitment to producing students capable of achieving excellence beyond the classroom.
Professor Ayodele particularly acknowledged the support of the University Chancellor, Dr. Tunji Olowolafe, through the Tunji Olowolafe Foundation, noting that strategic support and investment in students’ academic development remain critical to achieving sustainable excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor said the achievement aligns with the University’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to test their knowledge, sharpen their skills and interact competitively with their counterparts from leading institutions across the world.
He assured the students and staff that the University Management would continue to support academic competitions, research initiatives and other programmes capable of exposing EKSU students to global opportunities.
Professor Ayodele further stated that the achievement was not merely a competition victory but a global statement of EKSU’s academic potential, adding that the University would continue to build an environment where talent, innovation, research and academic excellence could thrive.
From second in Africa to third in the world, the EKSU Geology team has transformed a continental qualification into a global achievement, further affirming the University’s growing presence on the international academic stage.
